A Journey of Restoration

Once again, the journey of "waiting" for the visa has turned into a blessing--this time in the physical realm. I was told that if the visa waited just "one more week" then I would be able to use a gift (from some awesome friends) of attending the wonderful Restoration Ranch with Dr. Mike Casey for a health cleansing (http://www.healthrestorationranch.com). The visa indeed did wait so off I trekked to Yucca Valley, CA, home of the Joshua Tree National Forest. The high desert flora was beautiful, the sunsets awesome, the hospitality and gorgeous ranch incredible. The health lectures alone were worth the stay, but alongside the cleansing smoothies, and healthy eating and exercising, I couldn't have asked for a better preparation for my soon-to-come adventure [and no, you don't fast for days without eating . . . in fact, you never feel hungry at all]! I left with new friends, new knowledge, a clearer mind, a healthier body, and many spiritual lessons from the Bible! Plus, I gained an appreciation for the beauty of the desert--it is truly breathtaking. The entire experience was so invigorating a retreat that I recommend it to everybody hands down! So, now that I'm all physically, spiritually, and mentally renewed, I'm ready for the door to open into the Kilns! "Further up and further in!" (The Last Battle).

So You Wanted to Hear About Dog Beach?!

I've had enough inquiries about my beach hotel experience that I thought I had better tell the tale . . . It all began when I headed down to Ocean Beach, San Diego to visit my daughter while taking care of visa business. I arrived into the Ocean Beach area very late at night and after checking out seedy hotels, very expensive hotels (as in $450 expensive), and a "close to the beach" hotel, I finally returned near midnight to the "close to the beach" hotel.
I reasoned with the desk worker, "Do you really want to leave a room empty when it could be rented to me at a bargain price?"
She thought I had a good point and asked, "Do you have a dog?" After replying "no", she asked me the same question another three times as she checked me into my bargain room. I chalked her responses up to "late night syndrome."
I woke the next morning to a great view of the ocean and quickly ran out to sink my toes into the sand, but as I did I noticed about 25 dogs running around on the beach, swimming in the water, catching frisbees, and otherwise having a splendid time as only dogs can do. Well, the beach just happened to be officially called "Dog Beach" (yes, there really is one) and the hotel was a "dog friendly" hotel. Everywhere I went people were asking where my dog was . . .
Actually, The Ocean Villa Inn was very clean, friendly, and the view was great! I highly recommend them, and I'm sure to stay there again, but if you decide to check them out, be extra careful about those cookies on the counter--they're for doggy residents only!

And the Journey Continues . . .

From Palm Springs I headed to San Diego! What a beautiful place to live and the most perfect weather anywhere on earth! While taking care of further visa paperwork, I was able to spend free time visiting with my daughter (who is moving to San Diego). We had a fun time while she was busy apartment hunting and setting up her new business in Ocean Beach. Apartments on the beach have to be one step closer to heaven! On the visa note . . . after sorting through four types of visas we finally located one that worked. There have been many changes over the past year in UK visas, but I'm now set up and just waiting for the processing--which should happen in the next week. So . . . I could be over in the UK by the end of next week or sooner (or later, but we won't talk about that)! Cheerio to you all!

Jet Setting Around the US

After leaving the D.C. area and seeing some wonderful friends there--being dined by many--childhood friends, church friends from long ago, musician friends, and Tolkien Elven language friends, I headed to North Carolina, then back to Atlanta, stayed with more friends, this time from Southern, and then jetted over to a "very" sunny and hot, hot, hot California [115 degrees]! We have heard it said that "God works in mysterious ways" and I'm viewing my being able to visit with long-ago friends as a true blessing. Each and every person has offered new perspectives on life, Christian experience, and, of course, encouragement and support for me in my venture. One very important thing that this entire move has brought to the forefront of my attention is that I have the best friends in the entire world and would not trade even one of them (no matter how much they tease me:-) for anything! The laughter, the concern, and the care of others, isn't that what life is truly all about?! A God-given family indeed and I feel very privileged!

Back in the USA

Well, after Dr. Debbie landed at Heathrow airport in London it was discovered that visa stipulations had changed in the past year for her type of position, so . . . she is back in the U.S.in the Washington, D.C. area . . . waiting. After the company she is volunteering with has gotten their paperwork in order then she will apply for the new type of visa. Hopefully this is only a glitch in the big picture of her volunteer work and research in Oxford . . . She has been told that her room awaits her--Warnie's room, for those who are familiar with The Kilns. Warren Lewis was C.S. Lewis' brother and his room is on the main floor with direct access to the house library. Till we meet again . . .

Leaving on a Jet Plane

After an eventful night of packing until 6am, three hours of sleep, a final trip to the storage unit, and the sale of my car, a friend whisked me off to this side of Atlanta to meet another friend who drove me to the airport at 6pm. Of course, I had to repack bags at the counter due to weight limits and then finally I had all four bags checked in, my heavy carry on of all books and my backpack hoisted onto the security belts . . . and then, I was through the final security check! My 9pm flight was on time, flying was smooth, movies were good, veggie meals yummy and after a few hours of sleep we touched down in merry ole England . . . [more to come as the travel adventure is just beginning].

Community Effort!

Well, I've decided that a move this big takes a community effort! As someone mentioned the other day, "You sure must have a lot of good friends" and yes, I do! I have had friends from church, friends from the university, friends from my equestrian activities, students, and many more, pitch in to get things sorted, things packed, and things (like my duplex) cleaned up and out!! I officially moved the last of my belongings into the storage unit last Thursday when I hired a math major and his friend to "sort" and pack the unit--they considered it a game of Tetris and did an awesome job of packing things to the top of the storage unit! All is in there with room to spare for a few things I have left to sort. Today I'm officially out of my duplex and staying with a generous friend . . . (and even her dog Pepe likes me . . .). Tomorrow I sort and pack some more--and oh, yes, for those thinking I was leaving today for England, well, I had an ear problem (and a "I'm not finished packing problem) that gave cause for an additional couple of days. Tomorrow will bring more sorting and packing and taking care of my horse and his accommodations. Cheers!